If you are familiar with the program and application process, you can apply online or print an application form now.
Admission Requirements
Students in the program should have bachelor's degrees from accredited institutions in a science discipline. Prior course work in general chemistry, biochemistry, physics and calculus recommended. Applicants to the program with education or professional experience in health sciences, engineering, business or law will also be considered. Students may include those who are new to the industry as well as those who desire to further their scientific education to enable them to take on additional and/or new responsibilities and roles.
Reading assignments will be drawn from graduate level textbooks, and students will be expected to research topics online and through the library resources available at UW. Participants in this program should have readily available high-speed Internet access at home or work. Students will be required to make periodic presentations in class and will be expected to participate in analysis requiring critical thinking and writing skills.
English Proficiency: Students who are non-native English speakers are expected to have adequate English language proficiency. For details, see English Language Guidelines.
International Students: This program does not qualify as full-time study, and therefore does not meet requirements for an F-1 visa. However, if you are an F-1 student currently enrolled full-time in another program, OR you are in the U.S. on some other type of visa (not F-1), you may be eligible to take a certificate program or course. For complete details, or to contact an adviser, see Visa Information.
Application Process
The 2010-2011 program begins in January 2010. Applications will be accepted until the program is full. Check the program status box on the right side of this page to determine when the program is no longer accepting applications. For more information, please call 206-685-8936 or e-mail us.
To Apply: You can apply online or submit one copy of the application form with a $50 certificate program fee* and two stapled application sets, which include the following clearly labeled documents:
- A letter (250-word maximum) of application describing a) your relevant work and/or volunteer experience, and b) how you expect the program will help you meet your professional or personal goals
- Your résumé listing education and any applicable experience. Please include where and when you completed your B.S. degree and indicate your discipline of study along with your GPA.
Application Review: Applications are evaluated by program administration and lead instructors. Selection of program participants is based on admission requirements and may be competitive. Applications will be reviewed through December 19, 2009. Applications received after this date will be reviewed and students admitted will be done so on a space available basis.
Enrollment: Applicants receive written notification if they are accepted for enrollment, accepted and waitlisted, or not accepted for this program within two weeks of the application deadline. Those accepted to the program are sent registration information for the first-term course(s).
Waitlist: Some programs maintain a waitlist for applicants accepted after the program has reached enrollment capacity. If space becomes available, waitlisted applicants will be notified and given an opportunity to enroll. If space does not become available, waitlisted applicants will be offered a space in the next program offering.
* The certificate program fee is not refundable and does not guarantee admission to, or enrollment in, the program.
Fees and Tuition
Tuition is payable on a term-by-term basis. Tuition for the entire program is $10,165 excluding certificate program and registration fees and textbooks. There is a $50 nonrefundable certificate program fee to apply to this program and a $35 nonrefundable registration fee each term. First-term tuition of $2,033, plus the nonrefundable registration fee, is due before the first class meeting. The University's tuition exemption policy does not apply to this program. Fees and tuition are subject to change.
Information on registration and refund policies and procedures will be included with registration materials.
Earning the Certificate
Participants are evaluated in each course on the basis of standards established by the advisory board and instructors. At the end of each course, participants are notified of successful or unsuccessful completion. Because courses are arranged sequentially, participants need to successfully complete class the previous term before they advance to the next term.
Single-Course Enrollment
Interested in taking just one class? Some courses in this program (those courses designated by a 
) are open for single-course enrollment to those who do not wish to earn the certificate. Because some courses require prior knowledge and experience in the field, those interested in taking individual courses need to submit these materials:
- A completed application for single-course enrollment;
- A résumé listing your work-related experience, and a typed (250-word maximum) letter of application describing your experience/knowledge and how it was acquired.
Please note that courses taken as a non-certificate student are not automatically applied toward a certificate of completion in the program. Single-course enrollments are on a space-available basis. No certificate program fee is necessary; tuition is not accepted until you are notified of eligibility.
